At least 23 pepole have been killed and dozens more wounded on Monday morning in a wave of explosions across Iraq, Reuters reported.

There were a number of attacks in the Iraqi capital where car bombers also targeted the international airport.

Other cities affected by Monday's violence include Kirkuk, Tuz Khurmato, Samarra in the north of the country, and Nassiriya in the south.

The attacks occurred as Iraq prepares to hold provincial elections later this week in its first test of political security since US troops left the country in 2012. The credibility of the elections is in doubt, after a number of candidates have been killed and only 12 of Iraq's 18 provinces are set to take part.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks but Al Qaeda's local off shoot has been behind numerous suicide bombings in the country in recent months in an attempt to destablise the Shi'ite-dominated government of Nuri al-Maliki.

It is wrong for Muslims to kill Muslims -- no matter what their sect. It is also time we figure out a way to stop the sectarian violence. Applying the ideas of Christ might help.
The one that has the power to stop the cycle of revenge is the one who has been wronged last, and whose turn it is to avenge. He could use his turn and strike back, thus continuing the endless cycle, or he could forego it -- both now and the next time until it stops. Such is the overlooked utility of turning the other cheek.